Joblaze summary

The Senior Process Engineer at Valar Atomics is responsible for leading the design and operation of helium systems integral to high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology. This role requires expertise in process engineering, particularly in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, along with hands-on experience in developing complex systems from concept to commissioning. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in industrial process systems and a minimum of five years of relevant experience, making this position suitable for seasoned professionals looking to impact the energy sector.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Valar Atomics's careers page October 27, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
Starts above 45% of 38 comparable senior other roles in United States that list Mechanical Engineering we track (median $147,500 across 16 companies).
Mechanical Engineering appears in 3.4% of 2529 comparable senior other roles in United States; fluid mechanics appears in 0.1% of 2529 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: Valar Atomics lists $144,000–$176,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Process Engineer role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Process Engineering, Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics.
Does Valar Atomics sponsor work visas for this role?: Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?: Valar Atomics targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior Process Engineer role at Valar Atomics.

From the original posting

The Team

As part of the Engineering organization, Mechanical Engineering designs and develops the mechanical systems, components, and equipment that power Valar's advanced nuclear technologies. The team ensures designs are robust, manufacturable, and optimized for long-term performance.

The Role

Valar Atomics is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and operation of helium systems supporting next-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology. This engineer will own process system architecture from early concept and design through manufacturing and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Own the design, procurement, fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of helium process systems from concept through operation.
Lead manufacturing execution for assigned systems, including vendor selection, fabrication oversight, inspections, issue resolution, and acceptance testing.
Develop process system documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, piping specifications, operating procedures, and engineering calculations.
Perform process engineering analyses including mass and energy balances, pressure drop, heat transfer, equipment sizing, gas flow, and transient system behavior.
Specify and integrate process equipment including pressure vessels, heat exchangers, adsorption systems, compressors, valves, piping, instrumentation, and gas analyzers.
Work directly with internal manufacturing, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to resolve fabrication issues, improve manufacturability, and ensure hardware meets design intent.
Support equipment procurement by developing technical requirements, reviewing vendor proposals, and approving manufacturing documentation.
Lead system integration, installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of helium process systems.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
5+ years of experience designing industrial process systems, gas handling systems, thermal-fluid systems, or related energy systems.
Proven experience developing and delivering complex engineered systems from concept through commissioning or operational deployment.
Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process engineering principles.
Experience developing PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, equipment specifications, and system operating procedures.
Familiarity with industrial instrumentation, process controls, and gas analysis systems.
Excellent technical communication, documentation, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with helium systems, cryogenic systems, high-pressure gas systems, gas purification, vacuum systems, or high-temperature process equipment.
Experience with high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), advanced reactor technologies, or other nuclear energy systems.
Familiarity with helium coolant chemistry, impurity control, moisture management, graphite compatibility, and gas sampling systems.
Working knowledge of ASME B31.3 Process Piping, ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessels, and applicable industrial gas handling standards.
Hands-on experience supporting commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of first-of-a-kind process systems.
Experience participating in design reviews, HAZOPs, FMEAs, and system safety analyses.

Salary

$144,000—$176,000 USD

Standard company text repeated across Valar Atomics's postings is omitted here.

Senior Process Engineer

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